An image processing apparatus connected to an external apparatus via a network includes an selecting unit for selecting an application mode and an image quality mode, a scanning unit for scanning an original document, a scanning correction unit for generating image data from the scanned document, a storage unit for storing the image data and the process mode information, a compression unit for compressing the image data, an extension unit for extending the compressed image data, a data format converting unit for converting a data format of the image data according to the application mode and the image quality mode, and a communication unit for communicating the image data with the external apparatus. The data format converting unit receives image data having a first data format, and outputs the image data having a second data format, wherein the first and second data format are either a data format dedicated to the image processing apparatus or a general data format.